One year after its independence, the fledgling nation of South Sudan is torn by feuding factions, burdened by a sclerotic, likely corrupt government and forever in the shadow of war with Sudan to the north. All the while, its institutions lag: in a country of 8 million, there are only 120 doctors. Dependent on oil revenues and the efforts of international donors and agencies, the country will struggle—if not find it wholly impossible—to stand up on its own feet in years to come.

One year after its independence, the fledgling nation of South Sudan is torn by feuding factions, burdened by a sclerotic, likely corrupt government and forever in the shadow of war with Sudan to the north. All the while, its institutions lag: in a country of 8 million, there are only 120 doctors. Dependent on oil revenues and the efforts of international donors and agencies, the country will struggle—if not find it wholly impossible—to stand up on its own feet in years to come.